Marko Ahtisaari, Chair of the Board of CMI. Photo: Saara Autere
The spirit of my father Martti is alive at CMI. It is marked by a sense of inclusion, an empathy for counterparts, and a willingness to engage with all when the timing is right.
When I was invited to join the board of CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation three years ago, I discovered a vibrant team, unique both in scale and culture.
In terms of scale, CMI has doubled both its funding and staff in the past eight years. While scale is not an end in itself, it is important in being a trusted partner for funders and conflict parties. It also allows us to partner with peer organisations more than ever.
Scale enables a flexible operational model that combines skilled staff with senior advisors around the world. Despite our rapid growth, we have stayed focused on our programme and core mediation activities. Our scale affords us the patience and tenacity to stay engaged in regions and conflicts for as long as needed.
The second unique feature of CMI is its culture. Upon joining the board three years ago and now serving as its chair, I’ve been struck by the presence of the spirit of CMI’s founder, my father Martti. The culture is alive in the team every day, marked by a sense of inclusion, an empathy for counterparts, and a willingness to engage with any and all parties when the timing is right. But also a sense of humour.
Photo: Maria Santto / CMI
The year 2023 was particularly important in diversifying our funding structure. The Finnish government committed 10 million euros to endow the peace mediation work of CMI. In the coming years, we aim to match this donation with private funds. The Martti Ahtisaari Peace Fund serves as a kind of keel in future heavy weather, further strengthening our independence and proactive approach in peace mediation.
Our diversified funding will also allow us to continue our efforts in increasing women’s involvement in peacemaking and the use of new technologies for mediation. The use of digital technologies to increase inclusion in peace processes and to improve foresight in complex conflicts will continue to grow.
Independent peace mediation is in more demand than ever. We look forward to playing a key role in waging peace in a rapidly changing landscape. Our door is open.
Marko Ahtisaari
Chair of the Board, CMI
This article was published in CMI’s 2023 annual report.